STFI41 EFKL 060815

FINNISH ICE REPORT 06.04.2025

In the Bay of Bothnia the ice field has moved northward.

In the northern Bay of Bothnia 50-80 cm thick fast ice to Kemi 3 and
Oulu 3. Farther out mostly 30-60 cm thick ridged compact pack ice to
the line Malren - Nahkiainen. Farther west 10-40 cm thick partly
ridged very close ice. The ice edge runs from Farstugrunden towards
Kalajoki and the ice field is in places difficult to force. From Kemi
1 westward runs a lead.

In the southern Bay of Bothnia 15-35 cm thick rotting fast ice in the
archipelago. Farther out open water.

In the Quark in the Vaasa archipelago rotten fast ice. The Vaasa
fairway is open.

In the northern Sea of Bothnia and in the eastern Gulf of Finland
rotten ice in places in the inner archipelago. Farther out ice-free.

In the Lake Saimaa 10-50 cm thick rotten or rotting ice and openings
in the ice field.

Icebreakers: Kontio, Otso, Sisu, Polaris and Zeus assist in the Bay
of Bothnia. Tyrsky assists in the Lake Saimaa.

Assistance restrictions: Minimum ice class and deadweight required of
assisted vessels:
Tornio, Kemi, Oulu and Raahe, IA of more than 2000 tons.
Kalajoki, Kokkola and Pietarsaari, I of more than 2000 tons.
Lake Saimaa and Saimaa Canal, I of more than 2000 tons.

Vessels bound for Gulf of Bothnia ports in which assistance
restrictions apply, shall when passing latitude 6000' N report their
nationality, name, destination, ETA and speed to ICE INFO on VHF
channel 82. This report can also be given directly by telephone to
+46 10 492 7600.

Vessels bound for Finnish or Swedish ports with assistance
restrictions in the Quark or the Bay of Bothnia shall, 20 nautical
miles before Nordvalen Lighthouse (63 32,15' N 20 46,60' E), report
in accordance with the instructions for winter navigation to Bothnia
VTS on VHF channel 67.